Question 1

What is the difference between shank and sew-through buttons?

Accepted Answer

Shank buttons have a small loop on the back and no visible holes, so they sit slightly raised and work well on thick fabric, coats, and chunky knits where you need room for layers underneath. Sew-through buttons have 2 or 4 holes through the face and lie flat, which suits shirts, blouses, and lightweight garments. Many handmade ceramic and wood buttons come in shank style for a clean front.

Question 2

How do I know what size button to buy?

Accepted Answer

Buttons are measured in ligne (L), where 40L equals 1 inch (about 25mm). A dress shirt typically uses 16-20L (10-13mm), cardigans 24-32L, and coats or jackets 36-45L. Decorative knitwear buttons are often 1 to 1.5 inches. Check the listing for both ligne and millimeter measurements, and confirm the size matches your buttonhole or plan to stitch holes to fit.

Question 3

Which button materials hold up best for everyday garments?

Accepted Answer

Corozo (tagua nut), horn, and quality coconut shell are durable and machine-wash friendly on a cool, gentle cycle, making them reliable for shirts and cardigans. Wood and leather buttons last well but prefer hand washing or removal before washing. Ceramic and glass buttons are sturdy but better suited to decorative pieces or hand-laundered items, since hard knocks in a machine can chip the glaze.

Question 4

How much do handmade buttons cost?

Accepted Answer

A small set of handmade ceramic or polymer-clay buttons usually runs $4-$15, while larger or hand-painted artisan sets land around $8-$30. Vintage mixed lots and reclaimed buttons can be just a few dollars. Watch whether the price is per single button or per set, and factor in that custom colors or quantities above a maker's standard pack often carry a small upcharge.

Question 5

Can I order custom buttons in a specific color or design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many polymer-clay, ceramic, and resin button makers offer custom glazes, colors, monograms, or hand-painted motifs to match a specific yarn or fabric. Send a color reference or photo when you order. Stock buttons typically ship in 3-7 business days; custom-glazed, fired, or hand-painted sets usually need 1-3 weeks, so order early for a deadline project.

Question 6

How many buttons should I buy for a project?

Accepted Answer

For a cardigan, plan on 5-8 buttons; a button-front shirt needs 7-9 plus a spare. Always buy 1-2 extras beyond your count, because handmade and vintage buttons vary slightly batch to batch and an exact rematch later is rarely possible. If a listing sells by the set, confirm the set quantity covers your garment before checkout.

Handmade & Vintage Buttons for Sewing

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